Implemented through a confocal microscope, Raman spectroscopy has been used to distinguish between biofilm
samples of two common oral bacteria species, Streptococcus sanguinis and mutans, which are associated with
healthy and cariogenic plaque, respectively. Biofilms of these species are studied as a model of dental plaque. A
prediction model has been calibrated and validated using pure biofilms. This model has been used to identify
the species of transferred and dehydrated samples (much like a plaque scraping) as well as hydrated biofilms in
situ. Preliminary results of confocal Raman mapping of species in an intact two-species biofilm will be shown.